4 Communicating change

You saw in the previous section how to identify stakeholders, assess their likely impact on the success of the project and develop plans to improve engagement levels. A key part of the engagement plan is to ensure that communications are effective and that there is an appropriate mix of communication techniques to satisfy the level of involvement and interactivity required to impart your message or gain feedback.

This is especially true during stakeholder consultation, as the sooner you involve stakeholders, the better. Stakeholders are more likely to engage with your change initiative if they feel they are part of the change and that their worries are addressed head on. To ensure this happens, a communications plan will be needed to support the change strategy.